why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

There is much enthusiasm over this topic and I find interesting the apparent need to pick "sides" and for one side to be right and the other wrong. My beliefs are based on my system and experience, and I don't want to prescribe what works for others. I do believe that with "luxury" items, such as boats, exotic or classic cars, swimming pools, high end homes, etc. the higher the price range, the more money there is to be made and the higher the mark-up on stuff.

Perhaps manufacturers of high-end/expensive products need a higher mark-up per item because they don't have the "mass market" buying their goods in large volumes. They also have a reputation for luxury, quality and exclusiveness to uphold since it is part of the overall marketing strategy and what makes those products desirable...not everyone can own it. We have all heard about products that "didn't make it" because they were underpriced for the targeted market. There are examples of high prices with any luxury item so if someone who can afford it, wants to spend boat-loads of money on cables, for whatever reason, I would rather hear about how those cables improved their system than to read a bunch of arguing about the percent markup and whether it was stupid or smart to purchase the cables in the first place.

Another observation, it would be nice for people posting in a thread like this to take the time to post a virtual system, so readers can understand the context of their opinions relative to the gear they listen to.

One thing I forgot to mention. A few years ago I borrowed some different interconnects and speaker cables from the cable company. (They are the one's that have the lending library) the cables I borrowed were 2 and 3 times more expensive than what I currently owned. I listened to them every night for a week. My conclusion was they were different, not better than what I had. Buying them would of been a sideways move. I guess that's why I'm not sold on expensive cables. I think it makes much more sense to put the money into better components or speakers.

Hi zephyr24069, your last post was very good, +1,I agree with you,we'll said.

OK, so I didn't pay retail...not even close. That's why I pulled the trigger! I traded in my old cables and got 60% off from my dealer so I only paid...drum roll....$570:) Now that's sweet on my ears!!

@zephyr24069 well said I agree. It's a balancing test between equipment and cables. You should definitely get the best equipment you can first. Then get the proper cable match but your cables should cost more than your gear. My system is very niche because I have a KR audio va900 and gato fm6 with a resonessence Dsd mirus dac and a e.a.r. Acute CD player. It's a system that demands really good cabling but I don't have to have the top of top to get what I want sound wise but I would not place under performing cables and cords on it. The cables make up 20% of the cost of my system. I'm not going past that. I think that's a good place to be however sometimes it system synergy and recording quality of your music that you mainly listen to. We have to be mindful. For example for guys who have those 50k plus systems you are at a point where you are seeking maximum performance and you are willing to overpay again! We all are overpaying! But it's your money and your ears. I hate when people tell me what to do with my own money! Audio is big business now so you get the best you can can at a price you can afford and live with it. Don't point to others who can and will do more simply because you can't or choose not to